“Calavera: a representation of human skull made from either sugar or clay, which is used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead and the Roman Catholic holiday All Souls Day.” – Wikipedia, which got it right!
This year, since Halloween is on a Friday, our annual party at bestie’s apartment falls on November 1, the Day of the Dead. I have, therefore, been researching sugar skull makeup with my usual thoroughness. I found some really spectacular illustrations, so I thought they were the perfect post for today. And the bonus for me is that I finally have a way to justify the 2,000 shades of eyeshadow I own!

I would have been happier if the model didn’t look like a skeleton to begin with, but I can’t deny it’s effective

I was really impressed by this sketched-looking sugar skull makeup. Tutorial video is here.

This one is really lovely and might not result in you looking like a runny mess at the end of the night!

And speaking of contouring, how beautifully done are those cheekbones? I’m also really taken with the repeating notes of red.








November 1, 2014 at 8:41 am
I *loved* Dia de Los Muertos when I lived in Mexico. I can’t wait to take my little one someday when bigger. The calaveras are my favourite. In one parade I attended in Mixquic a gay (male) couple dressed as a pregnant bride and groom. The makeup was spectacular and the bursting belly quite hilarious. Thanks for sending me on that trip down memory lane and have a great time at your party tonight! Oh and *please* send me a photo of your makeup.
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November 1, 2014 at 9:42 am
I’ll text you a pic when it’s done (before the ensuing hilarity turns me into Frank N Furter in the pool scene)
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November 1, 2014 at 4:16 pm
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed looking at these. I have loved sugar skulls and the various makeup incarnations it inspires. Check out Sylvia Ji if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing her artwork. My cousin’s band, Los Meesfits, always uses a dancer in sugar skull makeup when they play. 🙂
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November 1, 2014 at 10:04 pm
The video tutorials are mesmerizing. How did your effort go? Will we be seeing a photo?
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November 2, 2014 at 10:07 pm
It was pretty good in person, but per usual, It was unphotographable. I don’t know what happens to me when someone points a camera at me. It’s like I’m demon-possessed or like my head is replaced by Jabba the Hutt’s. Very disappointing.
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November 3, 2014 at 10:54 am
My son’s girlfriend did this kind of make-up for the two of them. I’ll figure a way to send it to you.
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November 3, 2014 at 11:31 am
Excellent. I’d love to see it!
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November 12, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Amazing makeup art!
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November 12, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Aren’t they cool? Glad you liked them!
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November 26, 2019 at 8:36 pm
I don’t how i missied thiis one. Reminds me of my fun times in New Orleans, which you would see this a lot. Hal
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November 26, 2019 at 10:23 pm
We had a fantastic time in New Orleans. I’d love to go back.
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